Eating Disorders
What is an
eating disorder?
An eating disorder is
a coping strategy that an individual uses to deal
with deeper problems which are too painful or
difficult to address directly. Clinical eating
disorders include anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa
and obesity or binge-eating disorder. Eating disorders
are expressions of underlying psycho-social problems.
Chances are you know someone --
probably a teen-age girl or young woman -- who
suffers from anorexia or bulimia. Though the perception
is that eating disorders are nearly impossible
to treat, experts say that close to 90% of the
time, people can overcome them.
Unfortunately,
says Edward J. Cumella, PhD, director of one of
the leading treatment centers for eating disorder
in the United States, eating disorders are all
too common. One out of 10 women will suffer from
an eating disorder at some point in her life;
for adolescents, that number is one out of 5.
Though eating disorders strike girls
and women more often, boys and men are not immune,
says Denise Lensky, PhD, director of the Eating
Disorders Program at Belmont Center for Comprehensive
Treatment, part of Albert Einstein Healthcare
Network in Philadelphia. If left untreated, or
if treatment isn't successful, eating disorders
can result in serious physical problems, including
low blood sugar, pancreas and liver damage, heart
failure, osteoporosis, heart rhythm problems,
and thought impairment.
"It's important to get help,
because eating disorders lead to death in 15%
of cases," says Salvatore Cullari, PhD, chair
of the psychology department at Lebanon Valley
College in Annville, PA, and a specialist in treating
people afflicted by eating disorders. If you suspect
that a friend or family member has an eating disorder,
you need to talk to that person. They often don't
know that this is a life-threatening, serious
disorder, and that it can be treated.
There has always been a perception
of high failure rates when it comes to treating
eating disorders, but that's not really the case,
says Lensky. "Eating disorders can be as
successfully treated as any other compulsive behavioral
disorder," she says. "People who suffer
from eating disorders feel hopeless and ashamed,
which may keep them from seeking help. But when
they do, eating disorders are treatable."
What does it mean to have
an eating disorder?
The most common element
surrounding all eating disorders is the inherent
presence of a low self esteem. In people who suffer
from eating disorders it is not uncommon to find
other associated psychological disorders that
co-exist with their Anorexia, Bulimia and/or Compulsive
Overeating. Men and women may also suffer from
both an eating disorder and other psychological
disorder(s) that completely co-exist with one
another... or they can suffer from an eating disorder
and have little or no signs of an additional psychological
disorder (Note: The longer a person suffers, the
more probable that they may be dealing with depression
or anxiety as well). It is important to the recovery
process and treatment that all these issues are
addressed, and that a proper diagnosis be determined.
Eating disorders
are serious health conditions that can be both
physically and emotionally destructive. People
with eating disorders need to seek professional
help. Early diagnosis and intervention significantly
enhance recovery. If not identified or treated
in their early stages, eating disorders can become
chronic, debilitating, and even life-threatening
conditions. Treatment is available. Recovery is
possible.
Help! I think my loved
one may have an eating disorder.
Although
a small percentage of people are able to recover
from eating disorders without help, the majority
of individuals need assistance and medical attention.
With treatment and support, many individuals are
able to rebuild their lives.
Many individuals have approached
their loved one regarding his/her eating disorder,
with no success. It may be helpful when talking
with your loved one, to have a third party present
that is professionally trained and knowledgeable
about eating disorders.
AIR moves your
family out of crisis and assists in addressing
your loved one’s eating disorder.
To read more information on our Intervention Programs, Click Here or call our National Call Center 800.561.8158